Gwanak-gu Selected as the Best Local Government for Social Enterprise Development Excellence in 2024

The Only District Selected in Seoul for Social Enterprise Development Performance Evaluation
Various Support Efforts for Social Enterprise Development Bear Fruit, Including Operation of Social Economy Market Dream Market and Business Development Fund Support

Gwanak-gu (Mayor Park Jun-hee) received the Grand Prize in the Ministry of Employment and Labor’s evaluation of “Outstanding Local Governments for Fostering Social Enterprises in 2024,” becoming the only district in Seoul to be honored with this award.

At the awards ceremony held on November 22 at the Seoul National University Siheung Campus Convention Center, the district was recognized for its efforts in establishing various support policies tailored to the characteristics of the local community and social enterprises, as well as for actively promoting related projects to foster social enterprises.

The Ministry of Employment and Labor annually evaluates the performance of metropolitan and local governments nationwide in fostering social enterprises and selects outstanding local governments accordingly.

This year, eight local governments nationwide (1 Grand Prize, 2 Grand Excellence Awards, 5 Excellence Awards) were selected based on five evaluation criteria: ▲ job creation and market support ▲ management of preliminary social enterprises ▲ establishment of support systems and discovery of best practices ▲ participation in the Social Value Index (SVI) and efforts to prevent fraudulent claims ▲ realization of local autonomy and achievements in providing social services.

Gwanak-gu has actively promoted related projects such as the continuous operation of “Kkum Market,” recognized as an exemplary case of a social economy marketplace, holding public procurement briefings, and running the “Social Enterprise Lunch Day” to expand market opportunities and support for social economy enterprises.

Despite the discontinuation of government subsidies, the district allocated its own budget to support project development costs and helped strengthen the self-sustainability of enterprises. In particular, the district was highly recognized for implementing various policies to support the growth of social enterprises, including providing office space for social economy enterprises.

Mayor Park Jun-hee stated, “This award is thanks to the hard work of local social economy enterprise stakeholders dedicated to revitalizing the social economy,” adding, “We will continue to actively strive to revitalize the social economy through diverse policies and support.”